Bachelor of Music Education: Instrumental Education Degree Plan

The purpose of the Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Education is to prepare the student for a professional career in teaching instrumental music in a group setting. Students are trained to teach individual instruments, as well as instrumental ensembles, which results in public school certification at the K-12 levels.

Graduates of the program have 100% pass rate on the Oklahoma Teacher Certification Exams and 100% placement rate for those who were actively seeking teaching positions. Those not seeking positions have been accepted into graduate programs. Students have accepted positions throughout the U.S., Europe, and South Korea. Several instrumental alumni have been named school and district Teachers of the Year. Two of those alumni have gone on to be named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year (2006, 2013).

Instrumental Music Education students have the opportunity for music teaching and conducting experiences outside of the Oklahoma City University classroom through a variety of means. Students teach private lessons in the schools and through the Oklahoma City University Performing Arts Academy. Students are hired or volunteer as sectional coaches for school ensembles, as well as for the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras that rehearse in the Bass Center. Students serve in leadership positions, such as marching band "techs" and drumline coaches, as well as music arrangers. Students also teach at summer music camps and festivals.

Music education method courses contain an observation component that helps the student to become acquainted with master teachers, as well as the discourse of school. Through COMEA students participate in state and regional music education conventions and activities. As a Conn-Selmer School, Bass School of Music students are afforded the opportunity to attend the Conn-Selmer Institute.

Degree Plan

The degree plan below shows the courses required for completion of a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Education. The course sequence is a suggestion only, and each student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss the most appropriate sequence for that student.

All degrees require a minimum of 124 earned credit hours. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours to be considered a full-time student. Students must receive credit for six semesters of Music Assembly. Students must attain the required proficiency and performance levels as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog.